I recently heard a conference speaker, Maureen Burger, talk about the Drug Diversion Triad. All three parts of the triangle must exist before the healthcare worker commits diversion. The three parts of the triangle are Pressure or Motivation, Rationalization or Justification, and Opportunity.
- Pressure can come from external sources such as a financial need or a family member with a chronic disease and the need for controlled substances. Pressure can also come from internal sources such as a healthcare worker with increased stress or physical pain.
- Rationalization comes when the healthcare worker justifies stealing from their employer. They may feel underappreciated, overworked or under-compensated.
- Opportunity comes where there are gaps in controlled substance security. Opportunity is the area where an organization has the most control. How is your organization doing in this area?
